More than 250 years after his birth the lyrical genius of Robbie Burns lives on — not least in Dunedin.

Guitar riffs and the beat of the drums put a new take on some of the best-known songs written by Scotland’s national poet, at the Robbie Rocks finals event in the Octagon yesterday.

The annual event is organised by Toitu Otago Settlers Museum as a way of keeping Dunedin’s Scottish heritage alive and celebrating the poet’s birthday on January 25.

A crowd of about 140 came along to listen. Organiser Sean Brosnahan said the event was about bringing Burns into the 21st century.

"It’s about bringing Burns into the new age."

It was important the city remembered its heritage and the younger generation always knew who Burns was, Mr Brosnahan said.

The open competition was won by Maddy Parkins-Craig with her rendition of Forlorn, My Love, No Comfort Near and the people’s choice went to Boaz Anema for his enthusiastic performance of My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose.

Logan Park pupil Sasha Freeman (16) was the judges’ pick in the youth category with her take on Comin’ Thro’ the Rye.